The Maui Chamber of Commerce believes that stewardship of our fragile environment should be a core value of every individual and every business. This means that consideration for the environment should be an essential element in our daily lives and in all our decisions.

I. WASTE MANAGEMENT

The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports the position that State and County government make every effort to encourage and provide for alternatives to landfilling solid waste and specifically that Maui County follow and abide by its Solid Waste Management Plan of 1994. The plan calls for aggressive waste reduction, reuse and recycling programs as the primary methods for providing the alternatives.

Supporting Statement

The Environmental Protection Agency in 1991 mandated reductions in the amount of waste landfilled by 25% in 1995 and 50% by the year 2000. To meet these goals Maui County contracted for creation of an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan which was adopted in June 1994. The primary elements of the plan are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Maui County has led the State in meeting its first EPA goal through its recycling programs and the co-composting project. We have a long way to go to meet our second goal.

The Maui Chamber of Commerce believes that government and private businesses can be more effective in minimizing the amount of solid waste that need to be disposed in our landfill. Continued support of current programs is required while working to remove impediments to the success of these programs. The Maui Chamber of Commerce will specifically promote the use of recycled products, especially those made here on Maui, by government and businesses.

II. BEACH ACCESS/OPEN SPACES/PARKS

The Maui Chamber of Commerce urges government to work with developers and the public to develop and maintain recreational and open spaces for use by the local community and visitors.

Supporting Statement

Too often the needs of the community are overlooked when development occurs. Every effort should be made to support the need for open space and recreational facilities for everyone to enjoy. The Chamber of Commerce will work with various organizations to achieve the necessary land use designations to support these efforts. In addition, we will urge our members to sponsor specific projects that will encourage public awareness of these facilities. We will also encourage developers to contribute to the quality of life by supporting the needs of the community.

III. PRESERVATION OF IMPORTANT CULTURAL SITES

The Maui Chamber of Commerce strongly believes that important cultural sites are a unique part of Hawaii and its heritage and should be preserved.

Supporting Statement

The diverse cultural heritage of Hawaii and the Native Hawaiian culture, in particular, are of great significance to the community and to visitors. It is important that we respect and protect these unique historical monuments for future generations. The Maui Chamber of Commerce believes that these landmarks contribute to the economic growth of the visitor industry by providing opportunities to attract visitors and the scientific community.

IV. OCEAN RESOURCES

The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports the wise use of ocean resources, as they pertain to resident and visitor enjoyment, that is consistent with protection of the marine environment. Exploitation of ocean resources beyond a sustainable level will destroy the delicate ecosystem that exists.

Supporting Statement

The Maui Chamber of Commerce realizes that the ocean environment affects the success of the economy. For visitors, residents and businesses, the ocean provides the livelihood to survive. We will carefully evaluate proposed plans, developments and regulations that pertain to our ocean resources to determine potential impacts.

V. PRESERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL HABITATS

The Maui Chamber of Commerce believes that the natural diversity of Maui County and the State of Hawaii is one of the most unique characteristics of our islands. Therefore, we will support efforts towards good management in areas of significant importance such as streams, wetlands, sand dunes, rain forests and ocean reefs in the interest of maintaining our privileged position in the eyes of the rest of the world.

VI. ENERGY

The Maui Chamber of Commerce advocates development of alternative energy sources that are economically and environmentally sound. Members are encouraged to support energy related measures identified through the Integrate Resources Planning process conducted by the utility companies.

Burning of fossil fuels to provide energy has long been a world-wide controversy. In addition to the release of pollutants into our environment, the use of fossil fuels depletes our natural resources. In Hawaii and Maui in particular, the entire economy is dependent upon the availability of fossil fuel and any shortage can have disastrous consequences. The Maui Chamber of Commerce will support development of alternative energy sources, especially those that are sustainable.

Our first recommendation will be to encourage energy at all levels. The electric and gas utilities have developed an Integrated Resources Plan (an ongoing process) that reviews and plans for both the supply of energy and its demand. Our members should take advantage of Demand-Side Management programs sponsored by the utility companies to conserve energy.

VII. SUGAR AND PINEAPPLE INDUSTRIES

The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports continued and viable sugar and pineapple industries.

Supporting Statement

The Maui Chamber of Commerce recognizes the beneficial impact of the large plantation agribusiness on our economy. The sugar and pineapple industries not only provide and alternative employment base, but they also support the visitor industry. The vast fields of beautiful greenery are the first things visitors see as they arrive to Maui. It is in our best interest to maintain them.

VIII. ALIEN SPECIES

The Maui Chamber of Commerce supports research effort aimed at developing appropriate procedures and regulations to deal with the growing threat of alien species introduction to our island.

Supporting Statement

The brown tree snake has completely decimated the bird population on Guam. The myconia has taken over 70% of the native plants in Tahiti. It is critical that this type of alien invasion not be allowed here. The Maui Chamber of Commerce believes that there are procedures and regulations that can effectively stop such invasions without resorting to isolating Maui or the State from the rest of the world. We support efforts at the Federal, State and County levels to find the needed solutions.